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Close To 2 Town Squares And Glenview Country Club

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6

We are Louise and Ray

Thank you for taking the time to look at our home.

We are British, and bought this pre-owned property, furnished, as a holiday home in July 2016. We have a US caretaker and can provide their phone number for verification that this ad is genuine. You should also read the reviews we have already received. In addition we use the VRBO payment system which protects your money.

The House Location

The house is in the Village of Glenbrook, and so is ideally placed for those who like to enjoy the well-established town squares of Spanish Springs and Sumter Landing. Glenview Country Club and golf course are just a few minutes’ walk or cart ride away, making this an ideal location for those wishing to have a varied range of activity.

The property is in a side street, which means there is little through traffic, hence making it a quiet location. The neighbors are very friendly and there is usually a street gathering on a Tuesday afternoon on one of the drives, where people meet to have a drink and a few nibbles, while catching up on what has been happening.

PETS

We have a number of friends in the general area who have dogs – so we are pet friendly.

THE HOUSE

The property is a designer home, with three well-appointed bedrooms, en-suite bathroom in the master bedroom and a separate bathroom for guests.

In the past 2 year we have replaced nearly all of the furniture and appliances that were part of our original purchase. That includes upgrading to a new Yamaha (2018 model) gas cart, with many upgrade features. The one we love the most is self cancelling turn indicators. We have now also purchased a 4 seater Yamaha Gas cart (with golf bag restraints). Both carts are available to renters. The kitchen was remodelled in 2017.

We have now completed the 2018 upgrades to the house. This includes remodelling of the guest bathroom, where we have replaced the bath with a walk in shower. The master bathroom has updated vanity units and there are now double sinks in place. The Lanai has been converted into a fully air co Sunroom. There are a table with 4 chairs and a swinging double seat in this room. We have had both the front and rear of the property re landscaped. There are now new patios at the rear and an enlarged patio at the front. We will upload new photos when we have them. The total spend on these upgrades was over $60k.

THE ROOMS

Florida Room

In the Florida Room, which we have now furnished with two reclining massage chairs. Just the thing after a long day of golf, or other activity. To add to that relaxation we have installed a new TV with its own cable box. So you can watch something different to whats on the other TV's. There is also a Bluetooth Speaker system which allows you to play music from your phone or tablet. If you want to listen without bothering others in the house, use the Bluetooth headphones. Need to charge your devices, there is a USB charger in the TV unit in this room.

The Kitchen

The kitchen has been completely refurbished. There is under cupboard lighting which really shows the beauty of the splash backs. All the appliances have been replaced in the past year. There is a solar tube light in this room which should allow green lighting during the day. However we have also changed all the other lights for low power/ high brilliance LED spots. We have also added many additional items to make your stay enjoyable. The latest of which is a new coffee machine which uses either ground coffee or K cups. You can make individual cups or a full jug. We have now added a waffle maker.

The Dining Room

The dining room furniture has been upgraded with a new suite. There are 8 chairs and an extension leaf. A new light over the table has just been installed.

The Lounge

The lounge area has also been completely changed, with a new entertainment unit, power recliner seats. In addition the side tables are powered - so you can charge your devices, where you are sitting.

The Master Bedroom

The master bedroom, was refurbished at the end of Sept 2016. However we have now changed the mattress to a sleep number unit. So if you like a different firmness to your partner, then that is easy to do with the remote control. There is a TV with a separate cable box. Separate walk in wardrobes allow for plenty of hanging storage. The shower is tiled. We have added a small safe - but crime in the area is very low. The neighbors do look out for each other. There are french doors out to the lanai.

We were concerned that the lighting might be a bit dim for some guests, and so have added four spots with a dimmer switch. There are also on/off switches either side of the bed.

The Second Bedroom

The second bedroom, is more traditionally furnished with a king bed. The mattress is one year old and very comfortable. There is a walk in wardrobe with plenty of hanging space.

The Third Bedroom

The third bedroom has 2 twin beds. There is a walk in wardrobe with plenty of space. We also have placed the wireless printer in this room. It is available for guests to use - but we do not restock paper or ink before our next stay.

Other Places

Between the second and third bedrooms there is the guest bathroom. From Aug 2018 this will feature a new walk in shower with glass door, . Also a new WC, vanity and mirror.

Also between these bedrooms is the linen cupboard. You will find plenty of bedding, towels and also 6 beach/pool towels.

The utility room has front loading washing machine and separate dryer. Above these is a cupboard with light bulbs and batteries, in case you need them for any of the items in the house.

The garage contains the golf carts, and you should park them here during the night. Remember when out and about to remove the key. Also when not in use make sure you turn off the ignition and lights. We have just upgraded to a 2018 model Yamaha gas cart, with many additional features. We have now added a 2010 Yamaha 4 seat golf cart. Our insurance extends to the same extent to our guests. The garage has electronic controls. When you first arrive, you will probably enter through the garage. It has an external keypad. There is a separate insect screen for the garage and you will find 2 controllers above the internal wall mounted garage door controller. The remotes for the garage door will be on the kitchen island on arrival.

The Lanai, has outdoor table and chairs along with a double seat swing chair. We may change the furniture once the lanai is converted into a sun room. The sun room will be air conditioned with open and close windows. Offering the fullest range of comfort throughout the whole year.

For insurance reasons we cannot offer use of the outdoor grill without an agreement.

However if you wish to use it, you will be deemed to have indemnified us for all risks, damage and injuries however caused. If you do use the grill then we ask that you clean it at the end of your stay. We have supplied grill mats, which should be used to reduce the amount of cleaning needed. There is a charge if it is not cleaned.

We do not allow use of our personal bikes. However there is a good rental service in Spanish Springs. They deliver and collect for free. They supply helmets and locks within the rental cost. You may use our bike bags during your stay but ask that you put them back after use.

Our golf clubs are for guest use. All we ask is that you clean them at the end of your stay, so that the next guests can enjoy them as we have left them. From June 2018, we are adding a second set of both men's and women's clubs. The men's clubs are TaylorMade and have graphite regular shafts. Louise has a set of Callaway clubs and will be adding TaylorMade. Again graphite shafts.

The wood flooring extends through the main rooms, with ceramic tiling in the kitchen. Most of this being newly installed just before our purchase of the property. As part of the bathroom upgrades we are replacing the flooring.

INTERNET, TELEPHONE AND TV

The Internet, phone and TV service is supplied by xfinity cable (Comcast). It provides high speed internet at 150 mbs. The cable TV has been enhanced to the top package from Xfinity - so you should be able to watch all of your favourite programs.We have also added the sports channels However we do not provide any extra paid for services such as movies or game day season passes. We have installed a 55inch HDTV in the Living Room and there is a Sony TV in the master bedroom and a new TV in the Florida Room (both with a separate cable box). A blu ray disc player along with the DVR box option for the cable TV further enhance the entertainment options in the Living Room.

We will be constantly upgrading our property.

Bedrooms

3 Bedrooms

Sleeps 6

Owner

Ray and Louise Watkins

Member Since 2016

Speaks:

english

Calendar last updated:

Dec 12, 2018

About Ray and Louise Watkins

Louise and I (Ray) are Brits and live in the NE of England.
We love to travel and enjoy road trips across the US.
We are in our 60's and enjoy golf, good food and excellent company. We have three daughters and two granddaughters. We have US family who live in New Mexico, Nebraska and Texas.

Ray and Louise Watkins purchased this Villa in 2016

Why Ray and Louise Watkins chose Glenbrook

We made our second visit to the Villages in May 2016.
We hadn't intended to buy that year. However because we met some wonderful people who are now dear friends, we thought we should find out what was involved.
The telling sign was when we saw the logo on the original cart - Nebraska Husker's. We fell in love with the place and saw the potential to further improve the facilities.
Our guests have all left wonderful comments in our visitors book, and some have left 5 star reviews on VRBO. All love our property and say nothing was missing in respect of what they needed or expected. However we will continue to strive towards ever higher standards without a price hike. After all this is our home and we enjoy luxury.

What makes this Villa unique

It's close to our favourite Golf and Country Club - Glenview.
The neighbors are so friendly - there is a Tuesday afternoon gathering in the street where you will be welcomed. The neighborhood is quite and in a side street, but with easy access to so many facilities. If you want you can easily forget the car and just use the cart. However if you are adventurous then there are a number of National Parks and other places of interest to visit.
Disney and Universal are about 45 -60 minutes drive away, by Toll Road.

Amenities

Internet

Air Conditioning

Pets Welcome

TV

Satellite or Cable

Washer & Dryer

Children Welcome

Parking

Accessible

Heater

Bathrooms

2 Bathrooms

Bathroom 1

toilet, shower

Bathroom 2

toilet, shower

The master bedroom has an en-suite
bathroom. Vanity unit, walk in shower fully tiled with seating area. Separate toilet with sliding door.
Second bathroom has a vanity unit, toilet and bath with shower.
Both areas also have solar tube lighting.

Meals

Guests provide their own meals

General

Garage

Double garage
2 Carts (2 seat and 4 seat)
Owners golf clubs (2 sets of men''s and women''s) which can be used by guests
Whole house water filtration system

Entertainment

Xfinity with sports package and most channels
DVR box option on main TV box

Stereo

A Bluetooth speaker in the Florida room

DVD Player

Blu ray

Games

Cards
Monopoly

Video Library

We have now added a few DVD's with a mix of themes for guest use.

Outside

Lawn / Garden

Lawn and landscaping

Outdoor Grill

Due to insurance issues this can only be used if guest accepts full liability.
It is a 4 burner, system with a side pan burner.
Grill mats are provided to reduce the cleaning effort. Guests must clean

Lanai / Gazebo

The Lanai has been converted into a full AC sunroom for all year round use and comfort.
With table and chairs and swing seat

Tennis

Pickleball at nearby recreation centre

Golf

Nearest championships course is Glenview - less than 5 mins in cart.
12 Championship courses and around 40 executive courses in the Villages

Suitability

wheelchair accessible

Low threshold in front door - otherwise the property has access for wheelchairs.

Pool / Spa

Communal Pool

Summerhill is the closest just 5 mins in cart.

House Rules

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Cancellation Policy

100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.

12 Reviews

Exceptional5/5

1 - 6 of 12

5 star

5/5

Stayed Jul 2018

The home was very comfortable and had all the amenities needed. Great place and we would definitely recommend it.

Submitted Jul 26, 2018

Fabulous holiday. Superb accommodation, location, facilities.

5/5

Stayed Jan 2018

Ron S.

Dear Ray and Louise,

Our nearly 3 month stay at your home in The Villages has been an absolute pleasure. For the last 16 years we have rented during the same period in many countries. Your home has been the best by a long way for comfort (love the way we could adjust the master bed for firmness etc.,) the cleanliness, location, facilities. The furnishing and kitchen equipment is so complete there was nothing extra we needed.

We have put a few miles on your new golf cart and as you know we rented a 4 seater when we had a visitor. We rented the 4 seater from Masters Golf Cars, Inc,. Phone 352-303-0111. They were a pleasure to deal with, delivered and collected, and we would recommend them to anyone needing extra seats.

The use of your and Louise golf clubs was a real bonus. Carrying golf clubs and suitcases when flying from the U.K. is difficult with all the transport changes, so thankyou for making them available for us too use.

Our thanks also to Ilona, your contact in The Villages. We visited friends in Naples Fl. and Ilona with husband Jake, kindly drove us to Ocala to catch the Red Coach and collected us again on our return. Ilona also kept regular contact with us and was available and helpful with information about The Villages.

Finally, Our thanks to you and Louise for the effort and attention you have given in making the rental such a first rate pleasure.

Kindest regards

Ron and Martha. (Bearsted, Kent. U.K.)

Submitted Mar 25, 2018

Owner's Response:

Ron and Martha

Can we first thank you for this wonderful review.

Louise and I are so pleased that you felt that we had supplied all that you needed.

You have been perfect guests, and I know that Ilona would want us to pass on her thanks.

She has already told us how charming and pleasant you have been throughout your stay.

We hope you have a safe journey home.

Once again thank you.

Best wishes

Ray and Louise.

Ray and Louise Watkins - Property #927407

5/5

Stayed Dec 2017

John B.

This is a beautiful ,very clean and well kept property!!!

Everything we needed was available from the first day on.We felt like being home!!!

The owners and the property manager were also available if needed!

I have absolutly nothing negative to write.....

We will defintely be back!!

Thank you so much Ray and Louise for the stay in your home!

Submitted Jan 6, 2018

Owner's Response:

Thank you for the wonderful review.

We will be delighted to have you stay at our house in the future.

Lovely home and lovely people to rent from!

5/5

Stayed Sep 2017

Kellie F.

An amazing experience in Ray and Louise's home, all of the conveniences of home and excellent communication. I will definitely stay here again!

Submitted Sep 17, 2017

Owner's Response:

It is always pleasing to know that our guests like our home and find it a pleasure to deal with us.

Wonderful guests.

Perfect house, perfect location, perfect homeowners!!

5/5

Stayed Aug 2017

Lori K.Midland, MI

Ray and Louise were wonderful to work with! The house is beautiful! We were visiting family in The Villages and we were only a 5 minute golf cart away! It was so helpful to have the temporary residents pass ready for us. We really couldn't have asked for anything more! Everything was organized and ready for us.